
Him, she had sought to lead his thoughts up to the Creator. When
separated from her child, the faithful mother's solicitude did not
cease. Every day he was the subject of her prayers. . . . She did not
ask for her son worldly greatness, but she earnestly pleaded that he
might attain that greatness which Heaven value's,—that he might honor
God, and bless his fellow men."—Ibid.
10.
As Samuel ministered in the temple, what did his mother do
for him year by year? Verses 18, 19.
11.
How did God reward Hannah for her dedication of her first-
born? Verses 20, 21.
NOTE.—"What a reward was Hannah's! and what an encourage-
ment to faithfulness is her example! There are opportunities of ines-
timable worth, interests infinitely precious, committed to every mother.
The humble round of duties which women have come to regard as a
wearisome task, should be looked upon as a grand and noble work. It
is the mother's privilege to bless the world by her influence, and in do-
ing this she will bring joy to her own heart. She may make straight
paths for the feet of her children, through sunshine and shadow, to the
glorious heights above. But it is only when she seeks, in her own life,
to follow the teachings of Christ, that the mother can hope to form the
character of her children after the divine pattern. The world teems
with corrupting influences. Fashion and custom exert a strong power
over the young. If the mother fails in her duty to instruct, guide, and
restrain, her children will naturally accept the evil, and turn from the
good. et every mother go often to her Saviour with the prayer, 'Teach
us, how shall we order the child, and what shall we do unto him?' Let
her heed the instruction which God has given in His word, and wisdom
will be given her as she shall have need."—Id., pp. 572, 573.
12.
What is said of the character of the sons of Eli? How did these
young men grievously sin? Verses 12-17.
NOTE.—"The sons of Eli, instead of realizing the solemnity of this
symbolic service, only thought how they could make it a means of self-
indulgence. Not content with the part of the peace offerings allotted
them, they demanded an additional portion; and the great number
of these sacrifices presented at the annual feasts gave the priests an
opportunity to enrich themselves at the
,-
expense of the people. They
not only demanded more than their right, but refused to wait even
until the fat had been burned as an offering to God. They persisted in
claiming whatever portion pleased them, and, if denied, threatened to
take it by violence."—Id., p. 576.
13.
What rebuke did Eli in his old age administer to his sons?
How did they respond? What was God's purpose because of their
rebellious conduct? Verses 22-25.
14.
In the meanwhile how was the child Samuel developing? Verse
26.
NOTE.—"Every year saw more important trusts committed to him;
and while he was yet a child, a linen ephod was placed upon him as a
token of his consecration to the work of the sanctuary. Young as he
was when brought to minister in the tabernacle, Samuel had even then
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